PRESTON College's sports centre will host the 2001 Preston Closed Table Tennis Championships on Saturday, March 3.

The major singles events for the president's prize and the doubles event are now open competitions for men and women.

But last year's singles champion -- Preston's international star Katy Parker -- will not be defending the title.

Katy is now a regular player in the England Women's International Team and is also in training for the next Commonwealth Games to be held in Manchester.

The championships have attracted a good entry as more than 85 players ranging from 10 to 60 years of age have entered. The seven events will be played on 12 tables including a handicap singles event.

Former singles champion Barry Crook will play along with other prominent players Andy Clark, Paul Shirley, Dean Walmsley, Jean Parker and Tony Rigby -- any of these could win the singles event, which is wide open.

Defending champions in the open doubles, Don and Katy Parker, have left the title vacant so any of the entrants can be crowned new champions. Bill Ingram will be defending his veteran singles' title against strong opposition in former champions Barry Crook and Tony Rigby. Ray Ashley, Paul Shirley and Mike Sibley must also be considered.

A strong entry of competitors have been received for the junior singles' event. The present holder Daniel Martindale will have to be in top form with good opposition in Ian Castle, Ben Parker, D. Abbott and D. Marshall.

The championships will run from 9.15am until approximately 6pm.

Referee and organiser Tony Rigby said he and the association's committee are looking forward to a successful tournament.

The presentation of all the trophies for the respective individual events, group finals and the league divisions for winners and runners up will take place at the Lea Club, Blackpool Road, Preston, on Friday May 4 after the group's annual general meeting.